The Government of Saskatchewan is freezing the 2023 rate for leasing Crown grazing land to producers. Additionally, for 2023, due to dry conditions, rent reduction is eligible to a maximum of 50 percent for producers who are leased on Crown land and must reduce their stocking rates.
Saskatchewan’s livestock sector is facing increasing costs to production, in addition to successive years of low precipitation in many areas of the province.
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said, “Keeping this year’s grazing rate at 2022 levels and implementing reductions for Crown grazing lands hardest hit by drought, will assist producers through the current challenges while supporting the continued stewardship and productivity of the land.”
Saskatchewan’s Crown grazing rates are established annually using a formula based on fall cattle prices and the long-term stocking rate of each parcel of land. Across the province, this year’s rate will apply to all grazing leases.
A 2023 rent reduction will also apply to individuals who leased out Crown lands or a reduction in the number of animals grazing on those lands by 20 percent, compared to the long-term approved carrying capacity of that land. The 2023 rate reduction will match the reduction in carrying capacity, ranging from a reduction rate of 20 percent to a maximum of 50 percent.
Saskatchewan has about six million acres of Crown land under grazing leases.
